Celtics v Heat to meet in the Eastern Conference finals for the second time in three years. Since the Celtics beat the Bucks in Game 7 on Sunday; they will head to Miami to begin their series on Tuesday, May 17th.
To read more about the Celtics playoff run against the Bucks; check out my Boston Celtics Exciting Playoff Run post. Though the 2021-2022 season started off slow; this team hit its stride at the right time.
Celtics v Heat to Meet in Eastern Conference Finals
So, this upcoming series will be the fifth playoff series between the two teams.
Recently, the Heat defeated the Philadelphia 76ers in six games to wait for the winner of the Boston Celtics or Milwaukee Bucks series. Now that the series has ended; the two teams will match up for the Eastern Conference Finals.
In the past, when the teams matched up; the Celtics had some holes in their game.
With a new coach, maturity, and the development of Brown and Tatum; this team is in a better place than they were in their prior matchups.
Which team will prevail?
Celtics v Heat to Meet in Eastern Conference Schedule
So, here is the schedule, which of course is subject to change.
Tuesday, May 17th – Game 1 – Celtics in Miami – 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, May 19th – Game 2 – Celtics in Miami – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 21st – Game 3 – Miami in Boston – 8:30 p.m.
Monday, May 23rd – Game 4 – Miami in Boston – 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 25th – Game 5 – Celtics in Miami – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, May 27th – Game 6 – Miami in Boston – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 29th – Game 7 – Boston in Miami – 8:30 p.m.
Difference Makers
After the Milwaukee Bucks were defeated in Game 7 in Boston; Giannis Antetokounmpo told Jayson Tatum after the game, they are a great team and have a chance to win one.
At the same time; Jayson Tatum said each playoff round gets tougher from one round to another. However, each round of the playoffs becomes a different challenge.
Somewhere in the middle of their season; the entire team came together to make it happen. Moreover, Jaylen Brown believes in his team and feels this group of guys can get it done.
After overcoming the defending champions; this team has met each challenge throughout the year.
In January 2022; the Celtics surprised everyone. They have been the league’s best team on both sides of the ball.
When Ime Udoka was named the new Coach of the Celtics in 2021; he let his players know they weren’t playing well. And, he has kept on his players throughout the season. No doubt, his tongue lashing of the team has turned their season around.
In addition, Udoka has said many times; this team has shown they are for real.
Furthermore, their record in the second half of the NBA season of having the best defense, offense and overall record shows they are the real deal.
Since Marcus Smart won Defensive Player of the Year for the 2021-2022 season; he has played with injuries. And, he has showed the basketball world why he is the best defensive player.
Who do you think wins?
So, who do you think will win the series? Will it be the Heat who has won the season’s series in 2021-2022? Or, will it be the emerging Celtics?
Of course, after the Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets and defeated last year’s NBA Title Champions, the Milwaukee Bucks; many are considering them to be favorites to win it all. Meanwhile, Boston fans don’t want to get themselves too excited as they are only halfway to the NBA title game.
Though the Celtics don’t have the home court advantage over the Heat; they are still considered the favorite to win the East.
Indeed, whoever wins this series could be the favorite to play in the NBA finals.
So, who will it be?
As always, I welcome your comments on the Celtics v Heat to meet in the Eastern Conference beginning this week. Will you be watching? I know I will be up late to watch this series.
Go Celtics!
